STUDENTS LEARN about dental care from Hunter Ackerman pictured here with (from the left) Elizabeth Manning, Hayden Blackmer and Clayton Lehnert. Ackerman presented his Portfolio Project for Van Buren Technology Center on dental hygiene with K-5 students at Redwood Elementary in Hartford. Each student received a toothbrush and a sticker, along with instruction on dental care. Ackerman will be starting his junior year at Grand Valley State University this fall, aiming for a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences before his next stop at dental school to pursue his career as a dentist.

United Way seeks submissions for Volunteer Recognition Event

United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for their Volunteer Recognition Event. The event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding volunteers in Berrien and Cass counties. Margaret B. Upton Award The night will be highlighted by the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. This honor is given to one volunteer in Berrien County who demonstrates a long-standing history of volunteerism of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization and who exhibits teamwork and leadership experience from through various levels of volunteer experience including physical, clerical and/or service at the board level. The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the non-profit organization of his or her choice. Two runners-up will also be chosen to receive $750 to donate as well. The deadline to submit nominations for the MBU award is May 11. “There were over 15,000 United Way volunteer hours tallied in 2017, equaling more than $365,000 in service,” states Anna Murphy, President of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Volunteers are a driving force behind improving the common good in southwest Michigan. Our Volunteer Recognition Event gives us a chance to recognize some of the extraordinary work being done in our communities.” Youth scholarships The LIVE UNITED Youth Scholarships recognize one winner from Berrien County and one from Cass County who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, dedication, and advocacy for community improvement. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship made out to the college on their behalf. Only current high school seniors are eligible to apply. Both winners must be able to attend the event. Nomination deadline is May 4. Sustaining & Emerging Volunteer awards The Sustaining and Emerging Volunteer Awards recognize volunteers from Berrien or Cass County who show a commitment to United Way goals in the areas of education, income, health or basic needs. These volunteers have elevated an organization to new levels. The Emerging Volunteer winner will have the opportunity to direct $300 to the non-profit organization of their choice while the Sustaining Volunteer will be able to direct $500. Nomination deadline for Sustaining and Emerging volunteers is May 11. To submit nominations or to apply, visit www.uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer. For any additional information not found on the website, please contact Julee Laurent at julee.laurent@uwsm.org.

NEW BUSINESS… Deal Direct, a “for sale by owner” lot, recently opened in Coloma to display vehicles for sale. All types of vehicles are eligible including autos, boats/trailers, RVs, and farm equipment. Robert Howell pictured here is the owner of Deal Direct located at 6640 Red Arrow Hwy. For a fee of $50 you can park your auto/truck under 18’ in length at this high traffic area for 30 days or until sold, whichever comes first. Visit the 24-hour self service booth, sign up your vehicle, place it on the lot and sell it today! Interested persons can call (269)325-2652 for more information.

American  Legion  Auxiliary serving special dinner on Mother’s Day

On Sunday, May 13 from 5:00-7:30 p.m., Unit 362 Auxiliary is hosting Mother’s Day Dinner at American Legion Post 362, 351 E. St. Joseph St. in Coloma. The menu includes baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, carrots, salad, dessert, and coffee. Advance tickets are $10 each, $12 at the door. Tickets are available at the Coloma Legion after 3 p.m.

Berrien County Spring Scrap Tire Collection, May 10-11

The Berrien County Scrap Tire Collection is Thursday, May 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday, May 11, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. No early drop-offs allowed. The collection takes place at the Berrien County Road Department, 2860 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. Participants must enter the Road Department facility at the southernmost gate (3rd gate from the corner) on Yore Avenue. Look for and follow event signs. This collection is open to Berrien County residents only. Tires from businesses are not accepted. Coordination and funding for this event can handle tires from residents only. The following fee will be charged and is due at the event by cash or check (written to Berrien County): $1/passenger tire; $2/passenger tire on the rim; $5/semi-truck tire; $10 and up for oversize and loader tires. Participants planning to bring large tires must call 269-983-7111 x8234 prior to May 10 to report size and quantity. Abandoned tires can hold water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. Tires left on a property, in a ditch, or public green space are an eye sore and can cause property values to decrease. “This collection provides Berrien County residents with a low cost way to safely and legally handle waste tires,” says Jill Adams, the Berrien County Environmental Property Manager. “Residents with unwanted scrap tires can protect their family’s and neighbors’ health, the health of the environment, as well as potentially free up precious storage space at home by participating in this tire collection event.” Tires will go to Deerpath Recyclers in Dowagiac to be processed. More information, and a list of other tire recycling options, can be found at www.berriencounty.org, click Recycling Services or call the Berrien County Parks Department, 269-983-7111 x8234 or x8232.